Insulation between insert and ceramic block wall?

[rickj]

Selecting a new woodfire insert for an existing enclosure that is built with ceramic hollow blocks, I have the choice between a 70 cm and a 90 cm version. The installation specifications tell you to insulate the stove with 5cm thick Silca T300 plate material on all sides. I asked the manufacturer if I also have to use that 5cm thick insulation material between the sides of the stove and this ceramic brick wall. They say yes. That would be disapponting, as the width of the available space is 92 cm. I asked if an air gap of 1 cm between stove and wall would suffice, they say no.

The enclosure is built with 7 cm hollow ceramic brick material (photo) with thin layers of mortar. The current insert is in there without any insulation.

The new insert itself is a stove with a surrounding "convection mantle" around the fire box, so the fire does not directly heat the sides. Room air enters the mantle at the bottom, is heated mainly at the top in the heat exchanger, then heated air rises through pipes connected to the two openings at the top of the mantle back into the room (pic).

What do you think? Is an air gap of 1 cm between a device like this and ceramic blocks enough?
How would heat deteriorate ceramic blocks or the (thin) layer of mortar in between?

 

[Ctwoodtick]

The specs and materials are a bit different than those of the U.S. But in general, you need to follow what the manufacturer says as well as local codes, so that you are both safe and not in jeopardy if there’s an insurance claim in the future and you didn’t follow the rules. Sorry I couldn’t directly answer your question.

 

[begreen]

Follow the manufacturer's requirements. It's not only safer, but the insulation may help the fireplace heat better.

 

[rickj]

Follow the manufacturer's requirements. It is not only safer, but the insulation may help the fireplace heat better.

I’d like to understand..

 

[begreen]

The fireplace cabinet is radiant and can be hot. They want to be sure the area surrounding the fireplace cabinet is protected. The 70 cm width will permit proper installation.

 

[rickj]

Of course I know you should follow manufacturer instructions. I’d like to understand how ceramic blocks might suffer from a stove.. I have no idea if the person at the manufacturer has read my inquiry right, and I’m no expert on behaviour of materials near a stove, so I’m curious what experiences you guys have.